Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the Italian Model 1874 Army Service Revolver, which is based heavily on the French service revolver Modèle 1873 Chamelot-Delvigne, usually called the MAS 1873. This was the first double-action revolver used by the French Army, and design was extremely popular, as well as robust. As such many countries adopted very similar designs.

The Italian version, called the Pistola a rotazione modello 1874, was chambered for the 10.35×20 mm centerfire cartridge, and contracts were placed with many arms manufacturers throughout Italy. Brescia has long been a center of Italian gunsmithing, and had it's own arsenal, as well as many well-equipped gunmakers working independently. This revolver was manufactured by the Glisenti Weapons factory, and is marked GLISENTI / BRESCIA on the left side of the frame around the company coat of arms. On the right rear side of the frame it is marked with a very faint serial number where the number between the two 7's is completely worn away: NP7*7. We checked elsewhere, but this would only usually be stamped on the outside of the revolver, so we cannot confirm the true serial.

The reolver is also marked with assembly number 5624 is marked on the under side of the barrel, the front of the cylinder base pin, the rear of the cylinder, the inside of both grip scales, the left side of the frame under the grips, as well as the inside of the left side plate. However, we also see another number 462 stamped in a different font on almost all of these places, and there is also FO stamped on the left side under the grips. With the worn serial and the blued finish, we are fairly certain that this revolver was refurbished at arsenal some time in the past, during which new assembly numbers were added. Definitely worthy of further research!

Overall condition of the revolver is very good, still retaining much of the blued finish, except on the cylinder, which does not look like it was blued when the rest of the revolver was, and still has the original steel finish. The checkered wooden grips are still in great shape, showing some small dents and dings, but still retaining strong checkering on both sides.

The action works great, with good cylinder lockup and indexing in both single and double action. The revolver breaks down correctly for cleaning, and both the loading gate and ejector rod are fully functional. The bore is in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. It does not look to have seen any major firing use during its service life. The lanyard ring is still present, and is not damaged or dented.

A great chance to own a nice example of a late 19th century Italian Service Revolver, ready to display.

Specifications

Years of Manufacture: 1874-1889
Caliber: 10.35×20mm Ordinanza Italiana
Type of Ammunition: Centerfire Cartridge
Length: 11 1/2 inches
Barrel length: 6 1/4 inches
Finish: Bright Steel
Cylinder: 6 cartridges
Operation: Double Action / Single Action

History of the MAS 1873 Design

The Chamelot-Delvigne 11mm Modele 1873 was adopted by the French army as a service revolver for non-commissioned officers. The Modele 1874 Revolver d'Officier was the version issued to officers. The differences between the two models included the following: the 1873 was finished in the white, whereas the 1874 had a fluted cylinder and a blued finish. The 1873 and 1874 were the first center-fire cartridge revolvers adopted by the French army. They had solid-frame, side-ejection, double-action mechanisms. The pistols were manufactured by the St. Etienne armoury, which still continues to manufacture fine sporting arms.

The design of the Chamelot-Delvigne revolvers became so popular that versions were adopted by the Belgian in 1871, Dutch, Italian, and 1872 in Switzerland with the Model 1872 Revolver.

The Italian version, the Model 1874, was produced from 1874 to 1889, with approximately 12,000 pmade. In 1889 it was replaced by the shorter barreled Bodeo Model 1889 (Pistola a Rotazione, Sistema Bodeo, Modello 1889), which was offered with both a folding trigger and a standard trigger guard. It was chambered in the same 10.35×20mm Ordinanza Italiana and in production until 1931.

NOTE: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.